Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Career: Job Profiles, Placements, Salary, Top Recruiters, Abroad

Updated on Oct 15, 2024 09:59 IST
Parul Thapa

Parul ThapaSenior Executive Content

An essential component of maintaining an aircraft's airworthiness and safety is the work of Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs). A career in aircraft maintenance engineering can be broad and full of prospects. AMEs may be employed directly by airlines, aviation service providers, or maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) companies. They are in charge of maintaining, repairing, and inspecting aircraft to make sure they adhere to safety regulations and standards.
AMEs also  have the option to obtain specific qualifications in fields like engines, structures, or avionics. By doing this, they may improve their abilities and have access to more specialized positions in the Aviation sector.

People who have 0-2 years experience as Aircraft Maintenance Engineers fall under the category of entry-level and they can earn an average salary ranging from INR 4 LPA to INR 6 LPA. Aviation Maintenance Engineers with 2-5 years of experience are in mid-level career positions with a pay range between INR 5 LPA to 10 LPA. The senior-level position Aviation Maintenance Engineer with over 5 years of work experience earn above INR 10 lakh.

Some of the top private colleges in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering are Silver Oak University, Amity University Noida, The Bombay Flying Club, and Wingsss College of Aviation Technology. Click to know about Aviation Certificate Programme. Some of the top recruiters that hire AME graduates are Indian Airlines, Air India, Sahara Airlines, Jet Airways, etc.

Also Read: Cabin Crew Course Overview

Average Salary Based On Job Position

The average salary for various job positions after Aircraft Maintenance Engineering courses depends on a number of variables, including market growth and industry trends. The compensation given to entry-level employees or newcomers ranges between INR 4- 6 LPA.

The table below provides the average salary ranges for several employment positions for Aircraft Maintenance Engineering graduates:

Job Position Average CTC
Trainee AME INR 3- INR 5 LPA
Junior AME INR 4- INR 6.1 LPA
AME (General) INR 6- INR 10 LPA
Senior AME INR 8- INR 15 LPA
AME (Specialized - Avionics/Engines/Structures) INR 6- INR 16 LPA
Quality Assurance Inspector INR 7- INR 15 LPA
Aviation Maintenance Manager INR 8- INR 16 LPA
Director of Maintenance INR 7- INR 20 LPA

NoteThe salary data has been sourced from external links.

Top Careers After Aircraft Maintenance Engineering

The aviation sector is seen as resilient and stable. The need for AMEs is expected to be high as long as air travel remains a crucial form of transportation. AME training can be a valuable foundation for people who wish to work at the following job profiles. A globally mobile career may be enhanced by the chance for AMEs with internationally recognized credentials to work abroad. Read Aviation Career.

Candidates can work in either of the below-mentioned job profiles and earn an average salary stated in the table:

Job Profile Description Average CTC (INR)
Trainee AME Entry-level role, assisting in aircraft maintenance tasks INR 3 LPA to 5 LPA
Junior AME Performing routine maintenance tasks under supervision INR 4 LPA to 6.5 LPA
AME (General) Overall responsibility for aircraft maintenance tasks INR 6 LPA to 10 LPA
Senior AME Leading maintenance teams, overseeing complex repairs INR 8 LPA to 15 LPA
AME (Specialized - Avionics/Engines/Structures) Focused expertise in specific aircraft systems INR 7 LPA to 12 LPA
Quality Assurance Inspector Ensuring compliance with regulatory standards INR 8 LPA to 15 LPA
Maintenance Manager Overseeing and managing maintenance operations INR 12 LPA to 20 LPA

NoteThe salary data has been sourced from external links.

Specialisation Wise Salary for Aircraft Maintenance Engineering in India

The salary offered to Aircraft Maintenance Engineering students also varies as per the specialisation chosen during graduation. The salaries shared below reflect not only the specialisation, but also other factors such as company size, experience, industry, and location.

Specialisation Entry-level CTC Mid-level CTC Senior-level CTC
Avionics Specialist INR 3-5 LPA INR 5-8 LPA INR 8 LPA and above
Engine Specialist INR 3-5 LPA INR 7- 10 LPA INR 10 LPA and above
Structures Specialist INR 4-7 LPA INR 7- 12 LPA INR 12 LPA and above

NoteThe salary data has been sourced from external links.

Top Recruiters for Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Students

Students majoring in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) have a wide range of employment options in the aviation sector. In addition to improving their employability, internships, apprenticeships, and hands-on training during the course can help them forge relationships within the aviation industry. Graduates in the cabin crew industry can find work in the following fields, along with some of the top recruiters in each:

Top Employment Areas for AME Graduates

Airlines Aircraft Manufacturers
Government Aviation Agencies Defense and Military Aviation
Corporate and Private Aviation ----

The various recruiters based on specialisations hire AME graduates through placement drive conducted in top colleges. The various recruiters based on specialisation includes the following:

Commerical Airlines
Indigo Vistara Go Air
Spice Jet Akasa Air ----
Private Aviation
Airports Authority of India Boeing Bangalore International Airport
Go First Vistara ----
Government Aviation Agencies
Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Airports Authority of India (AAI) Indian Air Force (IAF)
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)

Top Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Colleges for Placements

A number of colleges are popular for their placement opportunities in Aviation sector. These colleges not only provide placement opportunities, but also ensure good placements for the students.

Some of the top colleges and their placement report for 2023 are given in the table below:

College Name Average Annual Salary
Silver Oak University INR 4.5 LPA
Amity University, Noida INR 6.8 LPA
The Bombay Flying Club INR 5.7 LPA
Remo International College INR 5.1 LPA
Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science INR 4.8 LPA
Wingsss College of Aviation Technology INR 6.1 LPA
Pune Institute of Aviation Technology INR 3.2 LPA
Indira Institute of Aircraft Engineering, Pune INR 5.2 LPA
Nehru College of Aeronautics and Applied Sciences INR 4.8 LPA
Academy of Carver Aviation Pvt. Ltd. INR 5.1 LPA

Note: The salary data has been sourced from external links.

How to Get a Job After Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Courses?

After completing a course in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, finding employment requires a number of processes and techniques. Here is a step-by-step manual to assist you in getting a job as AME:

  • Create an Effective Resume: Make a polished, organized CV that showcases your training, credentials, experience, and any noteworthy accomplishments or abilities.
  • Creating a network: To network with experts in the aviation sector, go to seminars, job fairs, and industry events. Participate in aviation-related social media groups and online forums to network with industry experts and receive job opening updates.
  • Internships & Hands-on Instruction: If you haven't already, think about doing an AME course internship or getting hands-on training. Gaining real-world experience can greatly improve your employability.
  • Remain Up to Date: Stay informed about aviation technological developments, regulatory changes, and industry trends. You'll find this knowledge useful in your daily work and in interview situations.

Top Indian Cities to Get Lucrative Jobs After Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Courses

Majority of the top-tier cities offer vibrant job markets for Aircraft Maintenance Engineering graduates. As Aviation sector is gaining popularity in India, students can find employment and career progression in cities like:

City Job Opportunities Average Annual Salary
Mumbai Mumbai is a Aviation hub, Jobs in many airlines INR 3.5 lakh to INR lakh
Delhi Jobs in Airports INR 3.5 lakh to INR 7 lakh
Bengaluru Several airlines and corporate aviation. INR 3 lakh to INR 6 lakh
Hyderabad Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Airport require cabin crew staff INR 3 lakh to INR 6 lakh
Chennai Growing aviation sector and international flights INR 3 lakh to INR 6 lakh
Kolkata Kolkata serves as a gateway to eastern India for airlines INR 3 lakh to INR 6 lakh
Pune Jobs in Pune's Lohegaon Airport  INR 3 lakh to INR 6 lakh
Chandigarh Chandigarh Airport and nearby cities offer job prospects INR 3 lakh to INR 6 lakh
Jaipur Jaipur International Airport serves as a regional hub INR 3 lakh to INR 6 lakh
Ahmedabad Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport has opportunities INR 3 lakh to INR 6 lakh

Note: The salary data has been sourced from external links.

Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Salary Abroad

Aircraft Maintenance Engineering graduates can seek exciting job opportunities in popular job destinations such as UKUSA, CanadaAustralia, Germany, New Zealand. etc. The salary depends on various factors such as cost of living, location of the country, specialisation, years of experience, industry, etc. The salary ranges of the following countries are given in the table below:

Country Salary Offered
USA
  • Entry-Level (0-2 years of experience): $20,000 to $30,000 per year.
  • Mid-Level (3-5 years of experience): $40,000 to $760,000 per year.
  • Senior-Level (10+ years of experience): $70,000 to $980,000 or more per year.
United Kingdom
  • Entry-Level (0-2 years of experience): £12,000 to £25,000 per year.
  • Mid-Level (3-5 years of experience): £25,000 to £30,000 per year.
  • Senior-Level (10+ years of experience): £30,000 to £50,000 or more per year.
Canada
  • Entry-Level (0-2 years of experience): CAD 30,000 to CAD 45,000 per year.
  • Mid-Level (3-5 years of experience): CAD 45,000 to CAD 75,000 per year.
  • Senior-Level (10+ years of experience): CAD 75,000 to CAD 85,000 or more per year.
 
Germany
 
  • Entry-Level (0-2 years of experience): €25,000 to €40,000 per year.
  • Mid-Level (3-5 years of experience): €40,000 to €55,000 per year.
  • Senior-Level (10+ years of experience): €55,000 to €80,000 or more per year.
Australia
  • Entry-Level (0-2 years of experience): AUD 50,000 to AUD 60,000 per year.
  • Mid-Level (3-5 years of experience): AUD 60,000 to AUD 70,000 per year.
  • Senior-Level (10+ years of experience): AUD 70,000 to AUD 90,000 or more per year.

Disclaimer: The above salary data has been obtained from external sites.

Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) Career FAQs

Q. What is the scope after doing Aircraft Maintenance Engineering?

A. The field of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) presents unparalleled career-building opportunities, highly esteemed in India and abroad. AMEs have diverse prospects in various sectors, and the job roles are not only prestigious but also unique. Here are some of the esteemed roles and scopes for AMEs:

Airlines: Major aviation companies, both in India and internationally, actively seek licensed AMEs to address and analyze aircraft-related issues. These professionals play a crucial role in ensuring the airworthiness and safety of aircraft.

Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) Companies: Specialized in the maintenance of crucial aircraft components such as jet engines and landing gears, MRO companies rely on licensed AMEs to ensure smooth operations and to conduct necessary repairs.

Parts Manufacturing Companies: The construction of an aircraft involves a multitude of parts, each requiring meticulous analysis and modification. Highly trained AMEs are indispensable for parts manufacturing companies to ensure the quality and functionality of aircraft components.

Operation Organizations (ICAO, EASA, etc.): Aircraft Operation Organizations like the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) prioritize the safety and well-being of civil aviation. AMEs are crucial for final checks and safety measures to maintain compliance with aviation regulations.

Civil Defence Forces: Defence forces utilize a fleet of aircraft for various tasks, and the maintenance and monitoring of these defence aircraft fall under the purview of AMEs. These professionals contribute to the reliability and operational readiness of defence aviation.

Q. What is an average salary of aircraft maintenance engineer?

A. An Aircraft Maintenance Engineer's (AME) typical pay can differ depending on experience, area of specialization, employer, and other considerations. It's crucial to remember that these are approximations and that wage amounts may vary over time. Salary differences may also exist between nations and regions. Below is a broad summary of the average AME yearly salary:

  • Entry-Level Salary: INR 3 LPA to 5 LPA (0–2 years of experience)
  • Mid-Level Salary:INR 5 LPA–10 LPA (3-5 years of experience)
  • Senior-Level Salary: INR 10 lakh and above (Above 5 years of experience)

Q. What does an aircraft maintenance engineer (AME) do?

A. India has effectively expanded its network through aviation globally and is currently the third-largest aviation sector in the world. A job as an aviation engineer would have been advantageous in the past owing to the lack of AME and would have provided many possibilities for applicants to learn, explore, and gain knowledge in the area. The specialty of aircraft maintenance engineering is the correct upkeep and repair of aircraft, including overhauls, modifications, replacements, inspections, and troubleshooting, among other things. AME needs to be prompt and handle every little detail.

By verifying that the aircraft is working in a totally accurate way, the Aircraft Maintenance Engineers bear the responsibility of guaranteeing a safe and error-free flight. Preventing risks during flight falls under the purview of the engineers. Additionally, they regularly inspect airplanes to make sure every component is operating as intended, report any issues right away, provide solutions, and troubleshoot any issues that may arise. The Aircraft Maintenance engineers inspect the aircraft and sign the certificate before to takeoff. 

Q. Which companies are the top recruiters for aircraft maintenance engineering?

A. Some of the top recruiting organisations for Aircraft Maintenance Engineers are mentioned in the below table. These organizations cover a range of segments in the aviation industry, including airlines, air cargo services, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities.

Airlines and Organizations Industry Segment
Air India Limited Airline
IndiGo Airline
SpiceJet Airline
Go Air Airline
Vistara Airline
Air Asia Airline
Alliance Air Airline
Blue Dart Air Cargo
Air Works India Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO)
Arrow Aviation Services Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO)
Blue Dart Aviation Services Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO)

Q. How to get admission to Aircraft Maintenance Engineering courses?

A. Candidates who wish to start a career in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) should fulfil the required criteria mentioned below 

  1. A candidate should pass 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics or equivalent AICTE approved for three years engineering diploma in any of the stream/ or should pass any higher education degree from Science stream with Physics as main. 
  2. Aspirants who are eligible for BTech courses are also eligible for taking admission in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering. 
  3. Candidates must pass the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering common entrance test (AME CET). After successfully clearing their entrance examination according to ALL India ranking, they will get admitted to some of the top AME institutes approved by DGCA. Check  AME CET exam date 2024.
  4. A candidate mustbe between 16-28 years at the time of admission. 
  5. Candidate must have minimum qualifying marks of 45% in 10+2 PCM for taking admission in AME
  6. A candidate must not be colour blind or with any physical disability.

Q. What are the important books related to AME?

A. Some of the books that can help you to clear the exam for AME are listed below:

  1. Aircraft Maintenance Manual or Service Manual
  2. Fundamentals of Aircraft Maintenance
  3. Turbine Aeroplane Structure and Systems
  4. Illustrated Parts catalogue
  5. Overhaul Manual

Also Read: BSc Aviation Course

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Aircraft Maintenance Engineering. Students interested in pursuing a career on Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

Feb '25

SSAT 2025 - Last Date to Apply

TENTATIVE

Apr '25

SSAT 2025 - Last Date to Apply (with late fee)

TENTATIVE

May '25

CUCET 2025 Phase 1 Application Form Last Date

TENTATIVE

Jun '25

CUCET 2025 Phase 2 Exam Date

TENTATIVE

Popular Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Colleges in India. Learn more about these Aircraft Maintenance Engineering colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
3 Courses
4.5 L
3 - 10 LPA
2.76 L - 11.5 L
3.4
1.2 L
3.4 LPA
1 Course
3.67 L
2.0
4 Courses
4.75 L - 5.95 L
8.5 LPA

Popular Private Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Colleges in India

4 Courses
4.75 L - 5.95 L
8.5 LPA
81.7 K
Min. 1 Year of Work Experience Required to Apply | Distance & Online Engineering Programs
81.7 K
Min. 1 Year of Work Experience Required to Apply | Distance & Online Engineering Programs
2.76 L - 11.5 L
3.4
81.7 K
Min. 1 Year of Work Experience Required to Apply | Distance & Online Engineering Programs
81.7 K
Min. 1 Year of Work Experience Required to Apply | Distance & Online Engineering Programs

Popular Aircraft Maintenance Engineering UG Courses

Following are the most popular Aircraft Maintenance Engineering UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Aircraft Maintenance Engineering PG Courses

Following are the most popular Aircraft Maintenance Engineering PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

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Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered a month ago

The Bombay Flying Club's Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) programme in B1.1 (Heavy Aeroplane and Turbine Engine) typically has a small intake capacity, with only 30 to 40 students every batch. This small enrollment is intended to guarantee a top-notch experiential learning environment with amp

...more

R

Ravi Babu

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Yes, you can specialize in areas like commercial jets, helicopters, military aircraft, avionics systems, or even specific aircraft models.

Specializing in a particular field can boost your career opportunities and increase your earning potential.

P

Parul Thapa

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

AME licenses are classified according to the type of aircraft and systems a technician is certified to work on. These categories include airframe, powerplant, avionics, and others. Candidates can choose to specialize in one or more of these areas.

P

Parul Thapa

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

The license is awarded as part of a professional course. AME is also a licensing program, and in the aviation industry, this license holds the same value as a degree.

Once licensed, candidates can secure high-paying jobs. Nowadays, professional courses are often considered more valuable than traditio

...more

P

Parul Thapa

Contributor-Level 10

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